Syrian missile launched towards Israel, debris found in Tel Aviv

Late on Thursday night, Syrian air defense systems were activated as Israel allegedly hit targets in Damascus. The IDF destroyed Syrian SA5 batteries after a missile was fired towards Israel.

Missile fire is seen from Damascus, Syria May 10, 2018 (photo credit: REUTERS/OMAR SANADIKI)
Missile fire is seen from Damascus, Syria May 10, 2018
(photo credit: REUTERS/OMAR SANADIKI)

Israel Police's Bomb Disposal Unit recovered pieces of debris from a Syrian surface-to-air missile (SAM) found in northern Tel Aviv on Friday morning.

Russian military sources stated that 21 of 24 Israeli missiles were shot down during the attack last night.

IDF released a statement on Friday confirming a Syrian missile was launched towards Israel during the early hours of Friday morning. The missile detonated over the Mediterranean Sea, according to the IDF.

Residents of Gush Dan reported explosions heard throughout the night in central Israel. No rocket alert sirens were activated due to the current policy stating that missiles exploding over the sea do not require rocket alert sirens to be activated.

IDF also thanked central Israel residents for their vigilance and asked them to avoid touching any piece of debris found.

The IDF also destroyed the launcher and a number of SA5 batteries right after the missiles were fired from Syria.

On Thursday night, Israel allegedly bombed Syria, hitting targets in Damascus from the direction of Beirut, the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported.

Syrian air defense systems were activated in response to the attacks and attempted to intercept the incoming missiles, SANA claimed, while other media sources reported hearing explosions over Damascus.

The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) claims Israel targeted military sites, in use by pro-Iranian militias, associated with the Syrian Scientific Studies and Research Center, on the outskirts of Damascus. 

On August 20th, Syrian missile systems fired against alleged Israeli airstrikes that killed four pro-Iranian fighters in Damascus. 

 Missile fire is seen over Damascus, Syria January 21, 2019.  (credit: SANA/HANDOUT VIA REUTERS)
Missile fire is seen over Damascus, Syria January 21, 2019. (credit: SANA/HANDOUT VIA REUTERS)

This is a developing story. Please check back for more details.